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Google Wifi Singapore Review!

Google WiFi was launched around 8 months ago featuring Mesh technology that provides a single point and seamless WiFi coverage throughout your home. The problem is that, it is not available in Singapore and the only way is to get it is from importers.

Google Singapore has partnered with Starhub to bring in Google Wifi and you can purchase a 3 pack Google Wifi at $15 per month for 24 months with new sign up or renewing selected bundled or broadband plans. Check them out at the description box below.

Google SG and Starhub

I got my review set from Google and I am really curious to see how the Mesh technology is able to solve my connectivity issue in my home. I am not a network expert by any means but this is how I have set up my internet connection. This is my floor layout and right now the modem is at the main door together with my Asus RT3200 router with 6 antennas. I have tried putting this router in every room and the WiFi signal can never penetrate to the next room.

Google Wifi box

The Asus router currently pipes LAN connection to all my rooms as I prefer my desktop to have wired connection. This way my kitchen and living room can have WiFi connection but I have to resort to getting an Access Point in the master bedroom to have WiFi in there.

Google Wifi router

So that’s the connection in my home and this is what I am planning to do. I will be setting up the Google WiFi at this 3 locations. For this setup I will not be using the Asus router as Google mentioned that it is better to use it on its own. If you still want to use LAN connection, the Google WiFi has a LAN port.

Google Wifi ports

Plug in the power and ethernet cable and download the Google WiFi app to start setting up. Once the app detects the WiFi, scan the QR code at the bottom of the router. Then you select the location of the router, WiFi name and password. Select more if there’s more router and repeat. That’s all to it for setting up. It’s really simple and user friendly to set up without all the confusing router settings page. Subsequent routers will not need to connect to an ethernet port, it will automatically connect to the Mesh network.

In case you are wondering what the colors mean, here is the breakdown.

Google Wifi lights

Instead of having 2 separate networks for both frequencies, the Network Assist works in the background adjusting to keep signals fast. It also checks for congestion from other devices, ports you to a clearer channel and selects the fastest band. You can check the current band and router the device is currently connected to.

I walked around my home, WiFi did not drop at all, and it always connect to the best router it can find. I stood at almost all corners of my place and there was WiFi. It’s a good feeling not to manually change bands when connection was bad.

Google Wifi shortcuts

There are a few nice features in the Google WiFi app that helps you manage devices and routers alike. The first tab shows the recommendations and things you can do to improve your experience.

You can check the device’s real time network usage and details. Tapping on Internet shows the current usage on the whole and also the speed test history. The WiFi points buttons shows all the Mesh points in your network and you can restart, factory reset and add more WiFi points. Individual light brightness and device name and also be changed. Devices button shows all devices connected and to view usage and device details.

Google Wifi setting up

The last tab has some pretty useful functions like Network Check to test the overall health of the Mesh, internet speed and device WiFi strength. Priority Device is assigning the fastest connection to that device and it’s especially useful if you are doing something bandwidth extensive. But it will limit the WiFi speed for the rest of the devices. I did some testing and Youtube streaming was still good for the rest.

Google Wifi priority device

Show Password is just an easy way to share your WiFi password with anyone but if you prefer to have your friends connect to a Guest network, it also supports it. Creating a Guest WiFi is also as simple as just providing a network name and password. You can even add emojis to the network name.

Google Wifi guest network

Family WiFi allows the pausing of internet for different devices with a single click. All you have to do is create a label, add devices to the label and tap the pause button to stop the internet connection. It’s super useful for kids during bedtime or mealtime to prevent them from using the internet. You can also create schedules to trigger them automatically.
Home Control allows anyone on your WiFi network to interact with your devices, like the Philips Hue lights.

Google Wifi family wifi

You as the owner can add managers that only can view data and edit the router settings. These managers will not be able to add, remove and reset the WiFi points.

Issues I faced was not able to get excellent Mesh connection. I had to place the routers nearer to the door for the connection to be good. Depending on the available power sockets, it might take more trial and error to find the optimal location but having the connection ‘OK’ was still seamless enough during my usage.

Google Wifi

So far the Mesh connection is pretty seamless and quick for my daily usage. The ease of configuration is amazing, the Priority Device and Family WiFi is very useful for families that want to have some control. For those that want to tinker with the advance network settings, it’s there but I doubt it’s as comprehensive as other routers out there. It’s great for those who don’t want to fiddle with complex routers and want something that’s super easy to set up.